Maize Farming in Kenya: Varieties and Best Practices

A guide to maize farming in Kenya covering high-yielding varieties, fertilizer use, and pest management for smallholder farmers.

Introduction

Maize is Kenya's most important staple crop, grown by over 75% of smallholder farmers. Annual production averages 3.5 million tonnes on over 2 million hectares.

Recommended Varieties

KALRO Released Varieties:

DH02 - Drought tolerant, 90-110 days, altitude 0-1500m
DH04 - Drought tolerant, yellow grain, altitude 0-1500m
H614D - High altitude, 150-180 days, 1800-2800m
H6213 - Mid altitude, 135-150 days, 1500-2200m

Commercial Hybrids:

DK8031 - High yield, suitable for medium altitudes
H10 - Long season, high altitude
Pioneer P3253 - Medium altitude, disease resistant

Land Preparation

Plough to 20-30cm depth
Remove previous crop residue
Minimum tillage acceptable if no compaction

Planting

Time: At onset of long rains (March-April)
Spacing: 75cm × 25cm (1 plant/hill) or 75cm × 50cm (2 plants/hill)
Seed rate: 25kg/ha (hybrid), 30kg/ha (OPV)
Depth: 5-7cm

Fertilizer Application

Planting: DAP 50kg/acre (place in furrow, cover with soil)
Top dress: CAN 50kg/acre at knee height (4-6 weeks)
If using manure: 10 tonnes/ha reduces fertilizer need by 50%

Weed Management

First weeding: 2-3 weeks after emergence
Second weeding: 5-6 weeks after emergence
Herbicides: Atrazine (pre-emergence), Primextra (pre-emergence)

Pest & Disease Management

Pests:

Fall Armyworm (FAW) - Major threat since 2016 Treatment: Emamectin benzoate, Lufenuron, Spodoptera NPV Scout weekly - treat early whorls
Stalk Borer (Busseola fusca) - Older pest, still common Treatment: Carbofuran granules in whorl
Aphids - Vector of Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) Treatment: Imidacloprid seed treatment

Diseases:

Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) - Viral, no cure Prevention: Resistant varieties, rogue infected plants, control aphids
Grey Leaf Spot - Lesions reducing photosynthesis Prevention: Resistant varieties, crop rotation
Maize Streak Virus - Transmitted by leafhoppers Prevention: Early planting, leafhopper control

Harvesting

Maturity: 90-180 days depending on variety
Harvest when husks are dry and brown
Moisture at harvest: 25-30% (dry to 13% for storage)
Shell immediately or within 2 weeks

Storage

Use PICS bags or hermetic storage to prevent weevils
Apply Actellic Super dust if using ordinary bags
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated store
Expected yield: 15-30 bags/acre (90kg bags)